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Talking Points: US Tour review

Пн 31 июл 2017, 2:08

The Manchester City players are back in England after their two-week tour of the US that saw them take in friendly matches against Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham. Club journalist Rob Pollard has looked back over the fortnight and highlighted five talking points.

Steady improvement

There can be few doubts City’s performance level improved significantly as the tour of the US progressed.

They began with a somewhat laboured display against United, a game which highlighted City’s lack of match sharpness. United had already played two pre-season games in the US before the first Manchester derby on foreign soil and their superior fitness told.

But City were far better six days later against Real Madrid in LA. After some intensive training sessions under the watchful eye of Pep Guardiola, they defeated the La Liga giants 4-1 in front of more than 90,000 people. All four goals were scored in 30 second-half minutes, a period in which City completely took Madrid apart.

But they saved their best display for last. The 3-0 win over Tottenham in Nashville saw City produce 90 minutes of high-tempo, quick-passing football that overwhelmed their Premier League rivals.

They scored three fine goals – it could have been far more but for some excellent goalkeeping from Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm – and were in total control throughout.

They moved the ball quickly and with purpose, and looked to have pace and guile in the right areas.

It’s only pre-season and the real stuff begins in less than two weeks’ time when City travel to Brighton – but this was a very encouraging performance.

Youngsters impress

Phil Foden was the star of the show against Manchester United, and Brahim Diaz scored two goals in City’s last two games.

Aro Muric and Daniel Grimshaw both saw playing time and didn’t look overawed, nor did Demeaco Duhaney who looked solid against Spurs.

The tour not only improved fitness levels and offered an opportunity to try out new formations, it also game some of City’s most talented youngsters a chance to shine, and all of them took their opportunity confidently.

Huge success

Overall, the tour was a huge success. City played three competitive matches in wonderful stadiums, with fans in America given a rare opportunity to see the Blues players in the flesh. The team now look prepared for the new season and a number of the summer signings have shown they can adapt quickly to Guardiola’s demands.